Seattle-Tacoma International Airport [SEA]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) features a central terminal with concourses A, B, C, and D and 2 satellite terminals (N and S gates), offering a wide range of dining, shopping, and lounges.
• The airport has 12 lounges, including an Alaska Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and Delta Sky Clubs.
• Ground transportation includes Link Light Rail, buses, rental cars, and shuttles, ensuring easy access to downtown Seattle and surrounding areas.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), or Sea-Tac, as it’s locally known, is the 11th busiest airport in the U.S. based on 2023 passenger numbers. Serving over 24 million passengers per year, it’s a busy airport considering it’s not that big at just 4 square miles.

The airport’s international network is growing, with 22 international airlines operating out of it. This growth has influenced the current redevelopment project to modernize and expand the airport.

Quick Information

Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Terminals: 1 main terminal with 6 concourses: A, B, C, D, and north (N gates) and south (S gates) satellite terminals
Airport Address: 17801 International Blvd., Seattle, WA 98158
Distance from Seattle: 13 miles (21 kilometers)
Website: portseattle.org
Phone Number: 800-544-1965​
Destinations Served: 94 nonstop domestic and 33 nonstop international

SEA Terminal Map

Airlines Operating from SEA

Concourse A
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, WestJet

Concourse B
Delta Air Lines, Frontier, Southwest Airlines, WestJet

Concourse C
Alaska Airlines (also operates from other concourses)

Concourse D
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines

North Satellite
Alaska Airlines

South Satellite
Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Asiana Airlines, British Airways, China Airlines, Condor, Edelweiss, Emirates, Eva Air, Finnair, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, Japan Airlines, Jetblue Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, SAS, Singapore Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Volaris

The airport advises passengers to check boarding passes for the correct departure concourse for Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Sun Country Airlines.

SEA Airport Terminals

Seattle Airport’s layout is X-shaped, with the Central Terminal in the center of the X and the departure concourses along each of the 4 legs.

Between the concourses are 2 satellite terminals. The airport road system and parking lots are on the east side of the Central Terminal. Only once passengers have cleared a security checkpoint in the Central Terminal can they access the departure concourses and SEA Underground (formerly called the Satellite Transit System, or STS).

Central Terminal

The Central Terminal is in the center of the airport and consists of multiple public levels:

• Level 1: Cruise lobby
• Level 2: SEA Underground stations
• Level 3: Baggage claim
• Level 4: Skybridge to ground transportation and car parking
• Level 5: Check-in and access to concourses
• Level 6: Mezzanine with conference facilities
• Level 7: International corridor
• Level 10: Pedestrian walkway

There are a few shops and restaurants in the Central Terminal outside of the secure area, with the majority inside the concourses once you’ve passed through security.

The map above shows the airport layout clearly, but for accurate geographical positioning, the map above would be rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. This is the positioning this article refers to when discussing the locations of the concourses.

Central Terminal Ticketing Area

Ticketing is on level 5 of the Central Terminal, a large semicircle with international airlines at the south end.

There are 5 security checkpoints on the ticketing level. Although each checkpoint provides convenient access to a particular concourse or departure area, passengers can pass through any security checkpoint with a valid boarding pass.

Central Terminal Baggage

Baggage claim is on level 3 of the Central Terminal, and multiple bridges are available for passengers to access ground transportation services and the parking garage.

Concourse A

Concourse A is in the southeast corner of the airport and is the longest of the 4 concourses. Security checkpoints 1 and 2 provide the quickest access to the 16 departure gates, A1 to A14, A20, and A21.

Concourse A has a good selection of shops and restaurants, a United Club, 2 Delta Sky Clubs, Delta One Lounge, and The Club at SEA Lounge.

Terminal Connections From Concourse A:

• Concourse B: Walk between the concourses or ride the blue line south train loop near gate A4.
• Concourse C: Walk between the concourses or ride the yellow line to Concourse D and pick up the green line to Concourse C.
• Concourse D: Ride the yellow line train between the concourses from level 2.
• South Satellite Terminal: Ride the blue line south train loop near gate A4.
• North Satellite Terminal: Ride the yellow line to Concourse D and pick up the green line to the North Satellite Terminal.

Concourse B

Concourse B is the southwest leg of the X and has 17 gates, numbered B1, B3 to B5, B5A, B6, B7, B7A, B8 to B12, B14, B15, B20, and B21.

Security checkpoint 3 is the closest to Concourse B.

Terminal Connections From Concourse B:

• Concourse A: Walk between the concourses or ride the blue line south train loop near gate B10.
• Concourse C: Come out of Concourse B and turn left to walk to Concourse C.
• Concourse D: Walk between the concourses or ride the blue line train to Concourse A and pick up the yellow line to Concourse D.
• South Satellite Terminal: Ride the blue line south train loop near gate B10.
• North Satellite Terminal: Walk to Concourse C or D and ride the green line train to the North Satellite Terminal.

Concourse C

Concourse C is on the airport’s northwest side and operates mostly Alaska Airlines flights. The concourse comprises gates numbered C2B-M, C3, C9, C10A-C10F, C11, C15 C16A-C16F, C17, C18, and C20.

Security checkpoints 4 and 5 are the closest to Concourse C. Just outside of the concourse entrance is an Alaska Lounge, with another at the top end of the concourse.

Terminal Connections From Concourse C:

• Concourse A: Take the green line train to Concourse D and pick up the yellow line train to Concourse A.
• Concourse B: Come out of Concourse C and turn right to walk to Concourse B.
• Concourse D: Walk between the concourses or ride the green line train to Concourse D.
• South Satellite Terminal: Walk to Concourse A or B and ride the blue line train to the South Satellite Terminal.
• North Satellite Terminal: Ride the green line train from level 2 to the North Satellite Terminal.

Concourse D

Concourse D is in the northeast area of the airport, with 19 gates, numbered D1 to D11 and D20 to D26 (accessible from a connector bridge opposite gate D7.) Security checkpoints 5 and 6 are the most convenient for accessing the D gates.

An Alaska Lounge is near gate D1, and the concourse has a range of shops and a few food outlets.

Terminal Connections From Concourse D to:

• Concourse A: Ride the yellow line train between the concourses from level 2.
• Concourse B: Walk between the concourses or ride the yellow line to Concourse A and then the blue line to Concourse B.
• Concourse C: Walk between the concourses or ride the green line train between the concourses.
• South Satellite Terminal: Ride the yellow line train to Concourse A and pick up the blue line to the South Satellite Terminal.
• North Satellite Terminal: Ride the green line train from level 2 to the North Satellite Terminal.

North Satellite Terminal (N Gates)

This terminal has gates N1 to N20, and on the second floor is the largest Alaska Lounge in the system.

Terminal Connections From the North Satellite Terminal:

• Concourse A: Ride the green line to Concourse D and pick up the yellow line to Concourse A.
• Concourse B: Ride the green line train to Concourse C or D and then walk to Concourse B.
• Concourse C: Ride the green line train from level 2 to Concourse C.
• Concourse D: Ride the green line train from level 2 to Concourse D.
• South Satellite Terminal: Ride the green line to Concourse D, the yellow line to Concourse A, and then the blue line to the South Satellite Terminal.

South Satellite Terminal (S Gates)

As the name suggests, the South Satellite Terminal is south of the Central Terminal, between concourses A and B. There are 14 gates, numbered S1 to S12, S15, and S16.

The South Terminal is where most international flights operate from, and it has duty-free shopping, The Club at SEA, and a British Airways Terraces Lounge.

Terminal Connections From the South Satellite Terminal:

• Concourse A: Ride the blue line to Concourse A.
• Concourse B: Ride the blue line to Concourse B.
• Concourse C: Ride the blue line to Concourse A and walk to Concourse C.
• Concourse D: Ride the blue line to Concourse A and then the yellow line to Concourse D.
• North Satellite Terminal: Ride the blue line to Concourse A, the yellow line to Concourse D, and then the green line to the North Satellite Terminal.

Interterminal Transport

SEA Underground: Inside Security

The SEA Underground is an automated people mover that transports passengers between the concourses and North and South Satellite terminals. Three different lines run inside the secure area, depending on where you need to travel to and from:

• Blue Line: This line runs in a circular loop between Concourse A, Concourse B, and the South Satellite Terminal.
• Green Line: The Green Line runs in a circular loop between Concourse C, Concourse D, and the North Satellite Terminal.
• Yellow Line: This one runs between Concourse A and Concourse D.

Walking: Inside Security

Once inside the secure area, you can walk among concourses A, B, C, and D. As the terminal is X-shaped, it’s easy to navigate, as you always need to return to the Central Terminal to walk to the next concourse.

To reach the satellite terminals, passengers must ride the SEA Undeground.

Sea-Tac App

The flySEA app is free to download for iOS and Android, enabling passengers to check security wait times, use the interactive airport map, and browse shopping and dining facilities.

Security and Customs at SEA

The Central Terminal has 5 security checkpoints: 1 in the central area, 2 close to concourses A and B (and the South Satellite Terminal), and 2 close to concourses C and D (and the North Satellite Terminal).

Passengers can check estimated security wait times on the airport’s app.

TSA PreCheck

SEA has TSA PreCheck lanes at checkpoints 1, 3, and 5. There is also a TSA PreCheck enrollment center on the ticketing level of the Central Terminal, so you can arrange an interview for when you’re next at SEA.

Hot Tip:

TSA Precheck now lets you create a reservation for your screening time, thus further reducing your time spent in line. 

Global Entry

SEA participates in Global Entry clearance for inbound passengers on international flights. The airport also has a Global Entry enrollment center on the mezzanine of the Central Terminal, between checkpoints 2 and 3, open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

SEA also participates in Enrollment on Arrival, available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the South Satellite Federal Inspection Area.

NEXUS

Sea-Tac participates in the NEXUS program, which allows for expedited processing when entering the U.S. from Canada by air. Passengers who’ve arrived from Canada can use Global Entry kiosks for NEXUS processing. If you’re flying to Canada from Seattle, you go through NEXUS processing at the arrival airport.

Mobile Passport

Mobile Passport Control is accepted at SEA. Passengers can input their details into the app on arrival at the airport and present the instant receipt to a CBP agent.

CLEAR

CLEAR lanes are at checkpoints 1 and 5 for expedited security clearance, and these are available daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Checkpoint 5 also has CLEAR enrollment.

Hot Tip:

Looking for things to do while you’re there? Check out these great Seattle activities.

SEA Airport Lounges

There are 12 lounges at SEA, with a few offering day pass access (for a fee), including United Club, The Club at SEA, and all Alaska Lounges. Other lounges are exclusively for premium cabin passengers or elite-tier frequent flyer members.

Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity. Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as “N/A” only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip:

Check out our article on the best credit cards for airport lounge access to avoid lounge entry fees.

Priority Pass Access

Select Priority Pass holders can use their membership to receive $28 off their bill at Brewtop Social, Ninth and Pike, Bambuza, and P.F. Chang’s. (The restaurant benefit has been removed from most memberships accessed through credit cards.)

Hot Tip:

Check out our dedicated Priority Pass guide and the best credit cards for Priority Pass.

Airport Dining and Drinks at SEA

There are about 50 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food stations at SEA. The majority are in the secure area, with a few before security. This means you can check in, clear security, and grab a bite while you relax and wait for your flight.

If you want to plan where to eat, then you can check out the available restaurants at SEA.

SEA Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available within all public areas at SEA. To connect, select the network “SEATAC-FREE-WIFI.”

Power outlets are under some seats at almost every gate at all concourses.

SEA Airport Lost and Found

SEA has a lost and found office across from baggage carousel 13 on level 3. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Passengers can visit the office or call 206-787-5312 if they have lost their property at the airport. If an item is left at security, the lost and found office receives it the next business day.

If an item is left on an airplane, the passenger must contact the appropriate airline.

Additional Airport Information

Children’s Play Areas

SEA has a children’s play area between the Central Terminal and Concourse A, across from Seattle Tap Room.

Hot Tip:

Explore the most kid-friendly U.S. airports and see why SEA was one of the top airports on our list.

Baby Facilities

There are 8 nursing facilities in Sea-Tac.

Nursing suite: There is a common-room nursing suite on Concourse N on the mezzanine near the Alaska Lounge

Nursing room: There are single-family nursing rooms throughout the airport.

• Concourse A inside the Cchildren play area (next to Qdoba)
• Concourse D on the lower level of D Annex near gate D24 (across from the restrooms)
• International Arrivals Facility on the mezzanine near the family restrooms (available for international arrivals passengers only)

Nursing pods: There are nursing pods throughout the airport.

• Concourse B near gate B11
• Concourse C near gate C10A/B
• Concourse A near gate A10E by the restrooms
• Concourse S between the train and concourse levels by the escalators

Pet Relief Areas

There are 6 pet relief areas inside SEA.

• Near A10 in Concourse A
• Restrooms near D1 in Concourse D
• S SEA Underground Train Station in Concourse S
• N SEA Underground Train Station in Concourse N
• B SEA Underground Train Station in Concourse B
• International arrivals facility on the mezzanine in the U.S. Customs area near the restrooms, for internationally arriving passengers only
  
  Outside the terminal, there are additional pet relief areas.
  

• On the north end, outside of door No. 33 by Alaska Airlines on the ticketing level and Departures Drive
• On the north end, outside of door No. 26 by Alaska Airlines on the baggage claim level and Arrivals Drive
• On the south end, near door No. 05 by the international counters on the ticketing level and Departures Drive
• On the south end, near door No. 00/02 on the baggage claim level past carousel 1
• Near the garage, outside on the first level of the parking garage near the blue elevators and the cruise lobby’s exit to transportation

Duty Free

Duty-free shopping is available in the Central Terminal and South Satellite Terminal.

Smoking Areas

SEA is a smoke-free zone apart from 3 designated areas:

• On level 5 near door No. 5 outside security
• On level 3 near door No. 00 outside security
• On level 5 near door No. 29 outside security

Interesting Features

SEA has live music performances 7 days a week throughout the airport.

Money

There are ATMs in all terminal and concourse areas.

Luggage

Bag storage is available in the baggage claim area of the Central Terminal. For more information, call 206-248-3645.

Important SEA Phone Numbers

General inquiries: 800-544-1965​

Parking: 206-787-5308

SEA lost and found: 206-787-5312

Ground transportation booth: 206-787-5906

Travel to and From SEA

Link Light Rail

SEA has a light rail station connected to the fourth floor of the parking garage and adjacent to the Central Terminal. The light rail service connects Sea-Tac to the University of Washington (via downtown), departing every 6 to 15 minutes. Train fares are $3, depending on your journey.

Bus

• King County Metro Bus: Bus services operate from International Boulevard by the light rail station, and passengers can walk to the bus station via Skybridge 6. Buses that serve the airport are Route 161 (Burien/Kent), Route 156 (Southcenter/Des Moines), and Rapid Ride A line (Federal Way). Route 124 operates on the airport drives between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• Sound Transit Bus: Express buses operate from the lower drive of the Central Terminal at the south end. Route 574 heads south to Lakewood, connecting passengers to Federal Way and Tacoma en route, while route 560 serves Bellevue, Burien, and Renton.

Shuttle

Private ride and shared-ride shuttles are available to book in advance or arrange on arrival into SEA. Some hotels offer courtesy shuttle services, so be sure you check when booking.

Taxi

You can pick up a metered or flat-rate taxi from level 3 of the parking garage at the north and south curb. A flat rate from SEA to downtown is around $50.

Ride-Sharing Services

Lyft and Uber are approved to operate to and from SEA with drop-offs on the departure drives. Arrivals drives and pickups depend on the type of vehicle you order, with instructions presented in the app.

Hot Tip:

If you’re planning on using public transportation quite a bit in Seattle, it’s worth getting $8 unlimited travel day passes or an ORCA card that you can preload. These are valid on public buses, trains, some ferries, and water taxis. ORCA cards can be purchased at the airport and are useful for buses where exact change is otherwise required for payment. 

Directions by Car to SEA

Arriving From the North on I-5

From I-5, use the right 2 lanes to take exit 154B and merge onto WA-518 west toward Burien/Sea-Tac/Airport.

Arriving From the South on I-5

From I-5, use the second-from-right lane to take exit 154 for WA-518 west toward Sea-Tac. Merge onto I-405 south and keep left to continue on WA-518 west. Use the right 2 lanes to take the exit toward Sea-Tac Airport and continue onto the Airport Expressway.

SEA Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

There are over 12,000 parking spaces at SEA, and unlike many other airports where long-term parking lots are a shuttle or train ride from the terminal, SEA’s parking is housed in a single large garage that is adjacent to the Central Terminal.

Short-Term Parking

Short-term, or Terminal Direct, parking is on level 4, with the quickest walk to the terminal through one of the 6 connector bridges. Fees are:

• Hourly: $10
• Daily: $47

Long-Term Parking

General parking is available in the same parking lot on levels 1 to 3 and 5 to 8. Fees are:

• Hourly: $8
• Daily: $37
• Weekly: $222

Over-Height Parking

The airport parking garage has a maximum height clearance of 6 feet, 10 inches, so any vehicles exceeding this will need to use an alternative parking lot. Follow signs from the Airport Expressway for “Over-Height Parking” which is also walking distance from the terminal. Rates are the same as general parking above.

Electric Vehicle Parking

SEA has 94 electric vehicle charging spaces on levels 4 and 7.

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

SEA has a cell phone waiting lot that friends and family can use when picking up passengers. The lot is across from the S. 170th Street exit of the Airport Expressway, and visitors can wait for free for up to 20 minutes until passengers are ready for collection from the baggage claim curbside.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Without an economy parking lot, a daily rate of $37 is the cheapes available, which is quite expensive for an airport. If you’re looking for more affordable parking, remote parking lots or hotels offer better rates. These lots tend to be only a few miles from the airport and provide shuttle services to and from the terminal.

Airportparkingreservations.com is a good place to check prices and lot locations, with daily rates starting from $10.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking is available on level 5 of general parking and level 4 of terminal direct parking. Passengers can arrange wheelchair assistance by calling 206-246-1550.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 206-787-4069

Extended stay parking (over 30 days): 206-787-4069

Car Rental at SEA Airport

Car rental companies operate from an off-site facility northeast of the airport. Courtesy shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day transporting passengers between the airport and rental center. These pickup from the north and south ends of the arrival area outside baggage claim. The following rental car companies operate at SEA:

Hot Tip:

There are a number of credit cards providing rental car insurance as a benefit (and even elite status). You can then use these cards to avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental provider. 

SEA Airport Hotels

There’s a good selection of hotels 2 miles or less from Seattle Airport. Hotels range from 2 to 4 stars, and many offer courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport.

Check out the nearest hotels below, arranged by distance from the airport.

SEA Airport Hotels

Top 2 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Seattle Airport Marriott features modern guest rooms, meeting space, and an atrium, along with complimentary 24-hour-a-day shuttle service to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Guests can enjoy local fare and specialty drinks at Aqua Terra Restaurant and Bar or a cup of morning coffee at Consummate Grind café. The Seattle Airport Marriott has free nights from 40,000 points per night.

The Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center is a perfect business hotel that is just steps from the airport. Guests have access to a 24-hour-a-day airport shuttle, fitness center, whirlpool, and outdoor pool. Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members can save money each morning by enjoying a free breakfast. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but a free night costs 50,000 points and up.

Final Thoughts

Seattle Airport has experienced a substantial growth in passenger traffic recently and is planning for the future. Billions are being invested in over 100 different projects to modernize facilities, increase capacity, and create more sustainable operation.